Portable canopy having an integrated power system

ABSTRACT

A portable canopy can comprise a portable frame, a portable cover, an electrical power system and can transition between an installed and transport state. The portable cover can be made from a flexible, water-resistant fabric. The electrical power system can be integrated into the portable frame, which includes a connection point for receiving power from an extra low-voltage external power source. In the installed state, a first volume under roof shelters objects. The portable frame can provide a support structure for the first volume and the portable cover. In the installed state, the electrical power system can be connected to the external power source to provide electric power to electric accessories via direct contact with a designated area of an exterior surface of a power-conveying member of the portable frame. The transport state can have a second volume at least five times less than the first volume.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/431,886 filed 14 Feb. 2017 entitled “ASelf-Draining Umbrella” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/007,464filed 27 Jan. 2016 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,714,521 entitled “A Self-DrainingCanopy”. The entire contents of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 15/431,886and 15/007,464 are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the field of shelters and, moreparticularly, to an integrated power system for a portable canopy.

Portable shelters like the “pop-up” or portable canopy are owned andused by many people to provide protection from sun and rain duringoutdoor activities, such as parties and bar-be-ques. It is also commonfor small businesses use a portable canopy to protect goods that are forsale while at an outdoor event like a farmer's market. The portabilityof the portable canopy (also referred to as a party tent) is provided bya light-weight and collapsible support structure (e.g., frame) with anattached cover. The cover is a flexible material, which collapses fortransport and storage. The flexible material is often a waterproofpolyester fabric, which blocks a high percentage of ultra-violet (UV)rays from the sun. The support structure or frame is often formed fromrust resistant steel poles able to telescope (with push-pins), whichcollapse into a small footprint for transport.

By design, portable canopies provide a relatively safe space for humansto gather during adverse weather conditions, such as rain. Thus, rainand adverse weather is one of the key considerations (another being UVprotection) for the use of the portable canopies. Conventional canopiesoften permit water to pool on the canopy top. Eliminating the water poolgenerally requires a person positioned under the depressed area withinwhich water pools to push against the depressed area. This manualmanipulation of the flexible cover causes water to flow downwards offthe side(s) of the canopy roof. Over time, exposure to a weight ofintermittent water pools and manual water clearing actions deforms thecontour of the cover, reducing the overall life of the canopy.

Use of a portable canopy for night-time activities/events requiresadditional hardware as well as access to power. Electricity must beavailable to power standing lights or other small appliances like aspace heater or fan. Without access to an external power source, theusefulness of a portable canopy is limited to day-timeactivities/events.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram presenting the components of a portable canopyin accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a portable canopy in an installed state and atransport state in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the portable canopyhaving an integrated power system in accordance with embodiments of theinventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 presents illustrations of example electric accessories for usewith the integrated power system of a portable canopy in accordance withembodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 presents illustrations of two alternate configurations forelectric accessory connection points for a power system integrated intoa portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventivearrangements disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the portable canopy having integratedinterior LED lighting and power system in accordance with embodiments ofthe inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B present an enlarged illustration of a drainage systemfor the portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventivearrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an arrangement for a portable canopy roof with asingle drain in accordance with embodiments of the inventivearrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an open-able side configuration with internalconduits in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the portable canopy with a downward roof-slidaction in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 11A and 11B shows an air inflatable embodiment of the portablecanopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangementsdisclosed herein.

FIGS. 11C and 11D shows conduits and contours of the portable canopy,which permit liquid to flow via gravity from the roof to an outlet canbe shaped/formed at least in part due to an air pressure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure includes a portable canopy with included conduits forwater redirection and an integrated electrical power system forinstalling small electric accessories within and/or around the portablecanopy. The portable canopy, or portable shelter, is designed to beset-up and torn down rapidly for events, such as parties. Humans andobjects shelter under the portable canopy for protection from rain andother environmental conditions, such as ultra-violet (UV) radiation.Unlike fixed structures, such as car ports or sheds, the portable canopymust be light-weight and able to be transported/stored easily. Aportable canopy is formed using a portable frame having vertical andhorizontal support members, which provide structural support. A cover,such as a flexible, water-resistant fabric, extends over the frame. Thedrainage system includes a set of conduits, such as pipes, for directingand transporting fluids. When installed (i.e., in an installed state), avolume under roof is created sufficient to shelter a number of humans.

The electrical power system can be integrated into various elements ofthe portable canopy's frame like the vertical support members (i.e.,legs) and/or roof support members. An electrical outlet can exist in oneor more of the vertical support members to connect to an external powersource like a battery. Different types of outlets can be included toaccommodate different types of power sources. The electrical powersystem can be designed to be a low-voltage system, typically less than18 volts, to minimize electrical hazards in an open and potentially wetenvironment. As such, the external power source can conform to thelow-voltage requirement directly; otherwise, an intermediary transformercan be used to step-down the voltage of the external power supply to therequired level. Contemplated embodiments can have conductive elementsembedded within and not removable from the frame members; those framemembers being made of a non-conductive material to prevent safetyhazards. Other embodiments can utilize insulated wiring that attaches toframe members in a non-permanent manner. The electrical power system canallow a variety of compatible low-voltage electric accessories, such aslights and fans, to be used within and/or around the portable canopy.

Portable canopies of the disclosure, in an installed state, provide atleast a four foot by four foot by six foot space, which is often ten byten feet, twelve by ten feet, or twenty by twenty feet, depending on thespace desired for an event for which the portable canopy is used. Humanscan typically stand under a portable canopy, which is why the height isgenerally at least six feet. In a transport state, the portable canopyconsumes considerably less space, such as having a volume of 5 timesless than that of the interior volume of the installed state canopy.Carrying bags with handles or wheels are often used to contain theelements (support poles, folded flexible canvas, conduits, etc.) of theportable canopy in the transport state. Support structures, often madeof metal or other high-strength, low footprint materials are collapsedor otherwise deconstructed in the transport state. Vertical supportmembers used as legs of the portable canopy are often telescoping oreasily constructed from smaller linear segments joined through apush-pin type of coupler. The flexible canvas is folded upon itself tominimize space/volume consumption in the transport state, as well. Somecomponents of some portable shelter are coupled directly to supports,which are often hinged for easy expansion and set-up/tear down, so thatstructures, such as a roof, can be easily expanded/contracted. Otherportable shelters use ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other couplersto join the flexible fabric, which is removable, to a frame. In theinstalled state, a sufficient structural integrity to withstandenvironmental forces, inadvertent human contact, and storms is needed.

A first consideration for the transport state being reasonably portableincludes the ease to move the portable shelter from location tolocation, such as within a standard vehicle. For this reason, thelargest linear dimension of a portable structure is often five feet orless, as longer members have difficulty being transported in passengervehicles. Diminishing the footprint and volume of the transport statecanopy to fit in a trunk of a passenger vehicle is often preferred, butlarger portable canopies are often designed for transport by truck orcommercial transport, which lessens the restrictions on the largestlinear dimension in embodiments. Other embodiments are contemplated formore ‘permanent” canopies, which have less stringent requirements fortransport and storage especially with regard to the largest lineardimension. For example, many “party canopies” from professional servicecompanies are less compact and have larger linear dimensions, such asthe tent poles vertically supporting the canopy being a single solidmetal leg of approximately seven to eight feet in length. A secondconsideration for the transport state is an ability to move the portablecanopy on-site from a loading/unloading point to a position, where thecanopy is to be set-up, which is typically an outdoor position. Anoverall weight and bulk are significant for this second consideration,especially when a bag is used to hold the entire portable shelter whenin the transport state. Some larger commercial/rental portable canopiesare heavy enough so that on-site transportation is performed, orintended to be performed, by multiple people lifting various componentsas a team.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram presenting the components of a portable canopy100 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The portable cover105 of the canopy can be of a size, shape, and materials that is similarto the variety of existing canopies and compatible with the size, shape,and bearing capacity of the supporting portable frame 110. It can bepreferred that the portable cover 105 be of a water-resistant materialas rain or water accumulation is of concern. The material for theportable cover 105 is often also preferably resistant to ultra-violet(UV) radiation.

The portable cover 105 can be coupled to the portions of the portableframe 110 using conventional means. The portable frame 110 of theportable canopy 100 can support the cover 105 in embodiments. Supportmembers may be largely at right angles that form a rectangular frame fora rectangular-shaped portable canopy 100. Portions of the portable frame110 can be collapsible with an attached cover 105. The collapsiblestructure can be designed for easy expansion/contraction and may lock inplace, such as with push-pins. When the portable frame 110 (in aninstallation state) is locked into place, edges of the cover 105 can bestretched along the sides of the support structure and the center of thecover 105 is lifted upwards to create the canopy shape, in embodiments.Many collapsible support structures, which are contemplated embodimentsfor portable frame 110, are configured to produce a quadrilateral (e.g.,square or rectangular) frame.

The portable frame 110 can include multiple vertical support members115, also referred to herein as legs 115, a perimeter frame 120, androof support 125. The components of the portable frame 110 can beconnected to each other using suitable means and can utilize approachesand/or techniques taught by conventional canopies. In one embodiment,the legs 115 are vertical support members of the perimeter frame 120itself. The legs 115 can be the vertical supports of the canopy 100 withthe perimeter frame 120 laterally connecting the legs 115 to providestability. Horizontal support between legs 115 can be provided fromspacing elements that are part of the roof support 125 and/or based onother elements of the perimeter frame 120. In embodiments, lower(positioned close to the ground, or at least lower than the verticalmidway point) supports may or may not exist for stability.

For simplicity in discussion, the portable canopy 100 can have four legs115 whose positions are the corners of a square in the horizontal plane.It should be noted that the portable canopy 100 can utilize differentquantities of legs 115 that are positioned to define other geometricalshapes in the horizontal plane without deviating from the spirit of thepresent invention. That is, the disclosure is not limited to arectangular arrangement, and hexagonal, octagonal, and rectangulararrangements are also contemplated, which are each derivatives of thebase discussion, which are easily understood and able to be formed byone of ordinary skill in light of the disclosure provided herein.

The roof support 125 can be the component of the portable canopy 100that directly supports (i.e., comes into contact with) a roof portion ofthe cover 105. The roof support 125 of the portable canopy can includeangled support member(s) 135, horizontal support member(s) 140, andvertical support member(s) 145, collective referred to as roof supportmembers 130. While similar components are used in the support structuresof conventional canopies, the orientation of the angled and horizontalmembers 135 and 140 can be unique to the portable canopy 100.

As in conventional canopies, a vertical support member 145 can lift acenter point of the cover 105 a predetermined height above the heightestablished by the legs 115. The horizontal support members 140 canconnect the bottom of the vertical support member 145 to the perimeterframe 120. In one embodiment of the canopy 100, the horizontal supportmembers 140 can be orthogonally connected (at a 90 degree angle) to theperimeter frame 120 with respect to the horizontal plane.

The angled support members 135 can be elements that comprise thehypotenuses of the right triangles that they form with the verticalsupport member 145 and horizontal support members 140. That is, theangled support members 135 can connect the top of the vertical supportmember 145 to the perimeter frame 120 at a point where the horizontalsupport members 140 connect to the perimeter frame 120. The cover 105can directly rest upon the angled support members 135.

The angles of the roof support 125 can allow the cover 105 to naturallydirect rain/water down towards the corners wherein elements of adrainage system are installed in some embodiments. Conventional canopieswith diagonal support of the cover 105 have support components or anatural contour that directs rain/water away from the corners towardsthe middle of the lateral face where the rain/water accumulates. Thedisclosure's roof directs rain/water towards the corners, by elevating acenter point of the roof and permitting the flexible fabric of the coverto naturally contour to direct roof-striking rain to a set of one ormore drains. Other embodiments exist for the roof structure, such thatthe roof is slanted to direct rain towards a drain, such as conduits areformed within the roof for water direction, and the like; all of whichare within scope of the disclosure.

A power system 150 can be integrated into elements of the cover 105and/or portable frame 110. The power system 150 can be an extralow-voltage system, providing less than fifty volts, as defined by theInternational Electrotechnical Committee (IEC). It can be preferred thatthe power system 150 be designed to provide a voltage substantiallylower than fifty volts to decrease potential electrical safety hazardslike fire, electric shocks, and shorts. The power system 150 can requirebeing connected to an external power source 165 to distributeelectricity through the cover 105 and/or portable frame 105 to variouselectric accessories 170 installed upon/within the canopy 100.

The external power source 165 can be the source of electricity that thepower system 150 transfers to the electric accessories 170 foroperation. Since the canopy 100 is a portable structure, it can also bedesired for the power source 165 to be portable. Ideally, the powersource 165 can directly provide power in the extra low-voltage rangelike the 18V battery utilized by many cordless power tools. Embodimentshaving a power source 165 greater than the extra low-voltage range, suchas a large electric generator or a household power outlet, can requirethe use of a transformer (not shown) to reduce the voltage from thepower source 165 to the extra low-voltage value required by the powersystem 150. The power source 165 can represent a variety of powercollection and/or storage means, including, but not limited to, achemical battery, a rechargeable battery, a non-rechargeable battery, aportable solar power system, a portable wind power system, and the like.

The power system 150 can be comprised of connection points 155 andwiring 160. The connection points 155 can represent the areas of thecover 105 and/or portable frame 110 where electricity can be transferredto an electric accessory 170. The quantity and the form of theconnection points 155 can vary based upon the specific implementation ofthe power system 150 as well as the type of electric accessories 170being supported. One specific connection point 155, represented by thewhite parallelogram, can be for connecting to the power source 165. Insome embodiments, multiple connection points 155 can exist toaccommodate connecting to various types of power sources 165.

Wiring 160 can represent the means by which the power system 150distributes power received from the power source 165 to the connectionpoints 155 and the electric accessories 170. The wiring 160 can conformto applicable electrical safety standards. In one embodiment, the wiring160 can be embedded within and not removable from specific members 115,120, and 130 of the portable frame 110; making those members 115, 120,and 130 function similar to the rails of a track lighting system. Inanother embodiment, the wiring 160 can be a removable component that issecured to the portable frame 110 once the frame 110 is in the installedstate. In such an embodiment, the frame 110 can include the means tosecure the wiring 160 like clips and/or grooves.

The electric accessories 170 can represent a variety of portable itemscapable of operating with the extra low-voltage supplied by the powersystem 150. Since the canopy 100 is designed for outdoor use, theelectric accessories 170 can be items often lacking or limited in anoutdoor setting, including, but not limited to, a light, a digital sign,a lighted sign, a fan, a misting fan, a strand of LED lights, a wirelessspeaker, and the like. The electric accessories 170 can improve theusage experience of the canopy 100 for the humans being sheltered.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a portable canopy in an installed state 210 and atransport state 230 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.The portable canopy is a temporary shelter configured to be repetitivelyaltered between the installed state 210 and the transport state 230. Theportable canopy in the installed state 210 can shelter people 202 and/orobjects 204 in a volume defined by a length 220, a width 222, and aheight 224. The volume can be the interior space of the portable canopy,which is a region under roof 215. As shown, the portable canopy can be arectangular structure with four sides. Embodiments can be contemplatedhaving other numbers of sides (such as six or eight for hexagonal andoctagonal structures) and even where the perimeter is circular or ovalin shape. The sides of the portable canopy can be covered or open.Structural support for the portable shelter can be provided by aportable frame 254. A portable cover 252 can be supported by andextended over the portable frame 254.

The transport state 230 of the portable canopy can facilitate transportof the portable canopy between locations and can diminish a storagefootprint of the portable canopy while not in use. The transport state230 may include a container 235 within which the portable cover 252 andportable frame 254 fit. The container 235 can have a length 240, width242, and height 244 that together create a transport volume. Thetransport volume can be at most one fifth of the volume formed by thelength 220, width 222, and height 224 of the installed state 210.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the portable canopy305 having an integrated power system 315 in accordance with embodimentsof the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. In this embodiment, theportable canopy 305 can be a square structure having four legs 310, oneper corner. Each leg 310 can have elements of the power system 315integrated/embedded therein, represented by the grey areas.

As shown in inset 325, each leg 310 can have two vertical strips of aconductive inlay 330 on opposing sides; the size and/or shape of theconductive inlay 330 can vary based upon implementation. The conductiveinlay 330 can be the element that distributes power along the leg 310and can also act as a connection point (i.e., power outlet) for anyattached electric accessories (not shown), similar to the powerdistribution principle for track lighting systems.

Additional safety elements, such as fuses and insulation, can also beincluded in the legs 310 reduce electrical safety hazards, particularsince the canopy and/or legs 310 are likely to encounter wet (i.e.,rainy) conditions. These additional safety elements can be required forembodiments that also include a drainage system that utilizes theinterior space of the legs 310 to transport water.

One or more of the legs 310 can include an inlet connection point 320for connecting the power system 315 to an external power source like thebattery 340 shown in inset 335. In this example, this connection point320 can be shown near a bottom portion of a leg 310; however, otherplacements of this inlet connection point 320 can be contemplatedwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. Via theinlet connection point 320 the power system 315 can be connected to arechargeable battery 340 often used by cordless power tools. It can bedesired that the power system 315 include an inlet connection point 320for such batteries 340 as these batteries 340 are commonly used bypeople, readily available, and already conform to the extra low-voltagepower range.

FIG. 4 presents illustrations of example electric accessories 405, 420,435, and 450 for use with the integrated power system of a portablecanopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangementsdisclosed herein. The electric accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450 can beutilized with the embodiments of the integrated power systems shown inFigures.

These example electric accessories can include a fan 405, a light 420, amisting 435, and a lighted sign 450. Each electric accessory 405, 420,435, and 450 can have a clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 for securing onto apower-supplying member (i.e., leg) of the portable canopy. The clip 410,425, 440, and 455 can be of a size, shape, and strength to support theweight of the electric accessory 405, 420, 435, and 450 at auser-desired position (i.e., connection point) on the power-supplyingframe member.

Additionally, the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 can be required to ensuredirect contact between the connection point of the power-supplying framemember and a power receiver 415, 430, 445, and 460 element on aninterior surface of the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455. The power receiver415, 430, 445, and 460 can represent a means for drawing in power fromthe connection point on the power-supplying frame member. In theseexample electric accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450, the power receiver415, 430, 445, and 460 can be a component embedded within the interiorsurface of the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 that is meant to mate with aconnection point. Because the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 has two prongsfor attaching to the power-supply frame member, each prong can include apower receiver 415, 430, 445, and 460.

For example, using the canopy 305 shown in FIG. 3, the fan 405 can besecured to a leg 310 of the canopy 305 via its clip 410. The fan 405 canbe positioned upon the leg 310 such that the power receiver 415 isaligned with the conductive inlay 330. Improper alignment of the fan's405 (or any other electric accessory 420, 435, and 450) power receiver415 upon the leg 310 can result in the fan 305 failing to work due toinadequate contact between the power receiver 415 and the conductiveinlay 330.

The benefits of using the electric accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450with a portable canopy having an integrated power system should beemphasized. Firstly, multiple electric accessories 405, 420, 435, and450 can be run using the same power system. For example, a person canhave two fans 405 and a light 420 attached and powered by the samecanopy. Comparable conventional accessories can be individualbattery-powered devices with separate battery types and varying batterylife. Therefore, the user can be required to bring along a considerablequantity of replacement batteries, whose weight can be prohibitive,whereas the power system would require only one type of battery.

Secondly, the “plug-and-play” nature of the electric accessories 405,420, 435, and 450 and the power system can make repositioning theelectric accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450 within the canopy. Whileconventional battery-powered accessories are also easily moved around,their placement can require other objects to provide a desired heightand/or angle, which are not always available in outdoor settings. Thus,a user can be restricted in their placement of their conventionalbattery-powered accessories. However, using the presented electricaccessories 405, 420, 435, and 450, when a user wants a light 420 topoint in a different direction, they can simply move the light 420 to apower-supplying member of the canopy that provides the desired directionwithout the need for any additional items.

Lastly, accessories that do not have a conventional counterpart or whoseconventional counterparts are unsuited for an outdoor environment, suchas the lighted sign 450, can be made for use with the canopy. Forexample, portable canopies can be a popular shelter for outdoor salesevents like farmer's markets and yard sales. Because access toelectricity at such events can be limited, if available at all, mostvendors can rely on drawn or printed signage. A portable canopy havingan integrated power system can allow for vendors to use lighted signage450 to attract buyers and lights 420 to improve visibility, especiallyafter dusk, which is another limiting factor.

FIG. 5 presents illustrations 500 and 550 of two alternateconfigurations for electric accessory connection points 510 and 560 fora power system integrated into a portable canopy 505 and 555 inaccordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosedherein. The power system integrated in the portable canopies 505 and 555of illustrations 500 and 550 can be identical or similar to the powersystem 315 of FIG. 3, where electricity is transferred through specificmembers of the canopies 505 and 555 frame to connection points 510 and560 and connected electric accessories like those presented in FIG. 4.

In illustration 500, the connection points 510 for the power system canbe angled support members for the roof of the portable canopy 505. Theroof support connection points 510 can be in addition to any otherconnection points available in the vertical support members, legs, ofthe portable canopy 505, as presented in FIG. 3. Therefore, each of theangled support members would include power delivery elements that mirrorthose in the legs, allowing a user to also attach electric accessoriesat differing heights along the angled support member.

In another configuration, each angled support member can have a specificpolarity 515. As shown in illustration 500, adjacent angled supportmembers can have opposite polarities 515. Such a configuration can beused for larger electric accessories that would connect to one or bothpairs of opposing polarity 315 connection points 510. This alternatingpolarity approach can also be used to support the configuration shown inillustration 550.

In illustration 550, the connection points for electric accessories canbe consolidated into a single track element 560. The track element 560can be similar to corresponding elements of a track lighting systems.Specialized conductive elements can be used to connect the track element560 to roof support connection points 510. Because the track element 560is at a lower height than the roof support connection points 510, it canbe easier for a user to reach the track element 560 to attach/detachelectric accessories.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the portable canopy 605 havingintegrated interior LED lighting 615 and power system in accordance withembodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Portablecanopy 605 can utilize an integrated power system that is identical orsimilar to the power system 315 of FIG. 3, where electricity istransferred through specific members of the canopy 605 frame toconnection points.

The roof cover 610 of the canopy 605 can have one or more strings of LEDlights 615 affixed to its underside. The LED light strands 615 can beattached to the cover 610 in various ways, including, but not limitedto, glued, sewn, clipped, snapped, threaded into transparent sleeves,and the like. The strands of LED lights 615 can include a means to matewith one or more connection points of the power system.

For example, as shown in inset 625, the strands of LED lights 615 canaffixed in such a manner as to follow the angled roof support members.Thus, each strand of LED lights 615 can have one or more power receivingelements like those used by the electric accessories of FIG. 4 thatdraws power from the power-supplying angled support members.

FIG. 7A presents enlarged illustrations of the drainage system for aportable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventivearrangements disclosed herein. FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of thedrainage system that utilizes the leg of the canopy as a conduit 715 totransport rain/water. In such an embodiment, the drain 710 can beinstalled in the cover 705 above or proximate to the leg. The drain 710can be as simple as a hole made with a grommet (to keep the edges of thehole from fraying and/or tearing) and can include mesh or other meansfor preventing debris from passing into, and potentially blocking, theconduit 715. This embodiment can be particularly suited for canopiesthat are already designed to use hollow legs (e.g., pipes and tubes).

The interior channel 717 of the conduit 715 can be of a diameter toprovide a flow rate that reduces the possibility for the rain/water toback-up and accumulate on the cover 705. The interior channel 717 canrun the entire height of the leg with the rain/water exiting at anoutlet location 720, such as the bottom of the leg and into thesurrounding ground.

Alternately, the outlet location 720 can exist at/near another leg,which is connected by conduits 715 so that the respective interiorchannels 717 permit liquids to flow to the outlet location 720. Forexample, a threaded hose connector can be integrated into the outletlocation 720 (or outlet positioned on a different leg connected viaconduits 715). A standard garden hose can then be connected to theoutlet location 720 of the leg to empty the rain/water at a furtherdistance, reducing the amount of rain/water discharged to the areaaround the canopy.

With such an embodiment, additional safety design can be required to theinsulated the wiring and/or electricity carrying elements of the powersystem embedded in the leg from accidental contact with rain/waterflowing through the leg. For example, additional insulation between theinterior channel 717 and the wiring elements can be required.

FIG. 7B shows another implementation of the drainage system. The drain730 can be installed within the cover 705 near to the leg 740. Since theleg 740 is not being used as a component of the drainage system, thedrain 730 need not be positioned directly above or very close to the topof the leg 740. Additionally, the leg 740 need not be hollow as in 7A.

The conduit 735 can be a length of tubing that is attached to the drain730 at one end and the open end that can act as the outlet location 750.As shown in 7B, the end of the conduit 735 that attaches to the drain730 can require a gradation in size like a funnel. The amount ofgradation can depend on the size of the drain 730. The conduit 735 canbe coupled/attached to the leg 740 using one or more securement means745 to prevent the conduit 735 from being inadvertently moved. Thesecurement means 745 can be implemented in a variety of ways that arecommensurate with the leg 740 and conduit 735. The securement means 745should not exert undue force upon the conduit 735 such that the conduit735 is deformed or its functionality compromised. In one embodiment, thesecurement means 735 can be integrated into the leg 740.

The conduit 735 can vary in length, but should be of a length thatpositions the outlet location 750 near to the ground, or near adesignated outlet. An advantage of this embodiment can be the ability toconnect the outlet location 750 of the conduit 735 to a suitablecontainer 755. The container 755 can be of any size or shape, providingit has an opening that allows the outlet location 750 to connect to orbe placed within. The container 755 may be connected to the leg 740 orstructure of the portable canopy, or may be externally connected via ahose.

The use of a container 755 (or water bladder) to collect the rain/waterfrom the drainage system can have many benefits. Firstly, the saturationof the ground in the immediate area of the canopy can be reduced becausethe rain/water is collected and not discharged. The container 755 can beremoved and remotely emptied when full. In one embodiment, the collectedrain/water can be utilized. In a camping setting, the collected rain canbe treated to become potable drinking water. In a backyard setting, thecollected rain can be used to water plants and trees, reducing theamount of water paid for to perform that task.

The container 755 may be a reservoir included within the leg 740 (awider portion allowing for a large base), which is designed to be filledwith water to serve as a ballast and add stability to the portablecanopy. This arrangement is advantageous in that the portable canopy islight-weight and of minimal bulk (for transport and minimization of afootprint), while still having the necessary structural weight. Multiplelegs 740 can serve as support ballast adding stability and weight to theportable canopy's structure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an arrangement for a portable canopy roof with asingle drain in accordance with embodiments of the inventivearrangements disclosed herein. A top roof surface 810 can be curved witha large surface area. This large surface area can be well-suited foradvertisement(s) or banners. The roof surface 810 can have a centerpeak, where water rolls off the curve and is directed to the canopy roofsides. An entirety of the roof can be angled, with a directional flowshown by FIG. 8B to permit water of the roof surface 810 to be directedto a single corner drain 824. The drain 824 can be attached to one ormore conduits 836, which may be integrated into the frame.Alternatively, the conduits 836 can spiral down a respective leg, untilit comes to an outlet (not shown). The outlet can have a fitting towhich an external hose 830 is attachable. The hose 830 can lead to abladder 832, which stores water falling on the portable canopy roof.

In one embodiment, the roof may be layered, to have a roof top 810 androof bottom 820, which together direct liquid flow. Additional elements,such as side gutters (shown as roof sides) can aid in guiding the waterflow in embodiments. FIG. 8A and 8B can illustrate that the portableroof structure: may include water redirection conduits, may not directwater to each side, may be angled for water flow, may incorporategutters, and other water direction elements. So long as the flow (ofgravity) directs the water, via conduits 836, piping, and/orindentations to a lower level, etc., then the portable canopy can beable to direct the water striking the roof. Unlike standing structures,a number of strong challenges can exist in dealing with a portablecanopy, as the structure must collapse into a light-weight one forstorage/transport. Here, the top structure of the roof is largelysupported fabric with a natural contour. The support structure formingthe sloping shape can be reinforced with steel/plastic rods (the canopyframe) permitting easy storage with different roof structures, such asthat detailed in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an open-able side configuration of the portablecanopy with internal conduits 910 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe disclosure. In the state where a side is open and rolled upwards(see FIG. 9A), a horizontal conduit 910 can be contained linearly alongthe open side. When the side is allowed to fold downward, as shown inFIG. 9B, the side's linear conduit 910 can run along a horizontal planenear the bottom. Each side leg (or conduit 910) can include a legfitting 920, which attaches to a similar fitting of the side's conduit,referred to as side fitting 925. Thus, a lowered side permits acontinuous conduit 910 to be joined to the other conduits 910 of theportable canopy.

In one embodiment, the leg fitting 920 can be a self-sealing fitting,which is closed normally, but opened when connected to the linearconduit 910 of side fitting 925. Thus, there is no leakage when a smallamount of liquid flows downward on the leg to which a side fitting 925is attached. In a further embodiment, the fitting 920 can becompressible, through a spring action, permitting the attachment througha simple push action. The two fittings 925 and 920 can utilize aquick-connect pairing (with compression) in one embodiment. An outlet940 can be positioned proximate to another leg. Liquid can flow throughthe horizontal conduit 910 (having a slight downward slope to directliquid) towards the outlet 940, when attached.

When the open-able side is connected, the side can be sealed with theremainder of the canvas via a coupler. For example, a zipper can be usedto seal the edges of the side when closed and joined to the conduits forwater flow purposes.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the portable canopy with a downward roof-slidaction in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The inclusionof the roof slide 1020 permits an easy way to raise a center point 1040of the roof 1015 of the canopy. Initially, the roof slide 1020 can beupwardly positioned on the slide channel 1010 and the central point 1040of the roof 1015 can be relatively low. In this position, water wouldimproperly pool on the top of the roof 1015. Raising the roof 1015,however, can be a challenge, as the roof 1015 sits above the height ofmost humans installing the canopy. The roof slide 1020 can utilize aseries of pulleys and a slack 1025 rope so that a downward motion of theroof slide 1020 along the slide channel 1010 removes the slack 1025 andraises the center point 1040 to an increased height 1055 to a new stablecenter point 1050. The slide channel 1010 can permit the roof slide 1020to lock in the down slide position 1035, when the top of the roof 1015reaches the center point 1050. As shown, each leg can be equipped with aslide channel 1010 and a roof slide 1020. The number of slide(s) 1020necessary can depend on the pulley structure and positioning, so otherembodiments are contemplated with a single roof slide 1020 for raisingthe roof 1015 to the center point 1050.

Although shown as a pulley-based manual action, other slide 1020embodiments are contemplated. For example, a slide/lock lever can beused raise the roof 1015 to its height 1055 and to ensure the center isat the center point 1050 in one embodiment. In another embodiment, anelectronic actuator can be powered by a battery (not shown) and used toraise the portable canopy roof. In another contemplated embodiment, ahydraulic (based on liquid pressurization) or pneumonic (based on airpressure) can be utilized to raise the roof 1015 from point 1040 topoint 1050. One of ordinary skill utilizing known mechanicalredirections can alter/perform derivatives of FIGS. 10A and 10B andstill be within the contemplated scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B shows an air inflatable embodiment of the portablecanopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangementsdisclosed herein. At least a portion of the flexible fabric of thecanopy's cover can include an air chamber. The air chamber can be avolumetric region that is air tight, which allows air to be injectedbetween the fabric regions. Insertion of air can be achieved through useof an air pump 1110 via a pluggable air insertion nozzle 1117. The airtight region can be formed from a separate material on an interior ofthe cover (which is hollow), in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, the cover can be stitched or otherwise coupled toan air-insertable volumetric region. The air-insertable material can becoupled to the frame in another embodiment, which adds structure andstability to the portable frame. In another embodiment, the water-proofmaterial of the cover itself can be air-tight and can be pressurized byinserting air through the nozzle 1117. The air pump 1110 can be amechanical (conventional) pump with a standard air fitting, inembodiments. In other embodiments, the air pump 1110 can be anelectrical air pump, such as a pump conventionally sold to inflate thetires of an automobile. In one embodiment, the air pump 1110 can beintegrated into the portable canopy itself, which is powered via theintegrated power system.

In the installed state 1120 of the portable canopy, at least a portionof the set-up can be facilitated by insertion of air. That is, the framemembers and/or portable cover 1130 can be locked into place andstabilized when air is inserted. An air release value/plug can be usedto withdraw the air to transition the portable canopy into the transportstate 1130. Thus, when the portable cover 1130 (and decomposed framemembers/conduits) are stored in a container 1134, minimal to no bulk canbe added the portable canopy.

The conduits and contours of the portable canopy, which permit liquid toflow via gravity from the roof to an outlet can be shaped/formed atleast in part due to an air pressure as shown by FIGS. 11C and 11D.Specifically, the outer cover of the roof 1150 cannot permit a flow ofwater to the drain 1152 without pooling when deflated. When inflatedwith an air pump 1110, however, the roof 1150 can be angled to enablethe flow of liquid to the drain 1152. A top view of such an arrangementcan be shown in FIG. 11D, where a center point 1155 rises above thedrain 1152 with conduits directing water flow to the drain 1152. Use ofair to create structure can be highly efficient in terms of weight,portability, and minimization of setup/teardown time. Water 1154 canflow from the outlet (to a run-off or a storage bladder) after passingthrough conduits of the portable shelter when installed and inflated. Inembodiments, pressurization of fabric regions by air can result in a“gutter” or a splash region that helps direct water flow through thedrainage system.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable canopy comprising: a portable framecomprising vertical support members and roof support members; a portablecover made from a flexible, water-resistant fabric; an electrical powersystem integrated into the portable frame, wherein at least one verticalsupport member has a connection point for receiving power from an extralow-voltage external power source that supplies less than fifty volts;an installed state for the portable frame, the portable cover, and theelectrical power system having a width, a length, and a height, whichtogether establish a first volume, wherein the first volume is a volumeunder a roof that shelters objects within the first volume, wherein theportable frame provides a support structure for the first volume,wherein, in the installed state, the portable frame structurallysupports the portable cover, wherein, in the installed state, theelectrical power system is able to be connected to the external powersource to provide electric power to a corresponding electric accessoryvia direct contact with a designated area of an exterior surface of apower-conveying member of the portable frame; and a transport state forthe portable frame, the portable cover, and the electrical power systemhaving a second volume at least five times less than the first volume,wherein the portable canopy is a temporary shelter configured to berepetitively altered between the installed state and the transportstate, whereby the portable canopy, in the installed state, shelters theobjects in the first volume for events during which the portable canopyis utilized, whereby the portable canopy, in the transport state,facilitates transport of the portable canopy between locations anddiminishes a storage footprint of the portable canopy while not in usefor the events.
 2. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the width isat least four feet, the length is at least four feet, and the height isat least six feet.
 3. The portable canopy of claim 1, furthercomprising: a drainage system comprising conduits for transportingliquids, wherein, in the installed state, the conduits transport rainstriking the roof to an outlet positioned at one of the vertical supportmembers.
 4. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the electricaccessory is coupled to the power-supplying member of the portable frameto provide direct contact with the designated area and an installationof the electric accessory, wherein a coupler of the electric accessoryis designed to receive power from the electrical power system.
 5. Theportable canopy of claim 4, wherein the coupler is a clip of a size anda shape to attach to the power-supplying member of the portable framewith adequate conductive surface contact and to support a weight of theelectric accessory.
 6. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein theelectric accessory comprises one of a light, a digital sign, a lightedsign, a fan, a misting fan, a strand of LED lights, and a wirelessspeaker.
 7. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the external powersource is a rechargeable battery.
 8. The portable canopy of claim 1,wherein the external power source is a transformer connected to a powersource, wherein said transformer receive a voltage from the power sourcethat is more than fifty volts and reduces the received voltage to apredefined extra low-voltage value commensurate with the electricalpower system.
 9. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the electricalpower system further comprises: an electrical track element that isattached to the electrical power system and roof support members whenthe portable canopy is in the installed state, wherein said electricaltrack element is suspended from the roof, allowing a centralizedinterior location for electric accessories to be installed.
 10. Theportable canopy of claim 9, wherein the electrical track element is oneof a straight bar, an S-shaped curved bar, an oval, a square, and acircle.
 11. A portable canopy comprising: a portable frame comprisingvertical support members and roof support members; a portable cover madefrom a flexible, water-resistant fabric; an electrical power systemintegrated into the portable frame, wherein at least one verticalsupport member has a connection point for receiving power from anexternal power source that supplies less than fifty volts; an installedstate having a width, a length, and a height, which together establish afirst volume, wherein the first volume is a volume under a roof thatshelters objects within the first volume, wherein the portable frameprovides a support structure for the first volume, wherein, in theinstalled state, the portable frame structurally supports the portablecover, wherein, in the installed state, the electrical power system isable to be connected to the external power source to provide electricpower to a corresponding electric accessory via direct contact with adesignated area of an exterior surface of a power-conveying member ofthe portable frame; and a transport state having a second volume atleast five times less than the first volume, wherein a longest lineardimension of the second volume is at most five feet.
 12. The portablecanopy of claim 11, wherein the electric accessory comprises one of alight, a digital sign, a lighted sign, a fan, a misting fan, a strand ofLED lights, and a wireless speaker.
 13. The portable canopy of claim 11,wherein the electric accessory is coupled to a power-supplying member ofthe portable frame to provide direct contact with the designated areaand an installation of the electric accessory, wherein a coupler of theelectric accessory is designed to receive power from the electricalpower system.
 14. The portable canopy of claim 13, wherein the coupleris a clip of a size and a shape to attach to the power-supplying memberof the portable frame with adequate conductive surface contact and tosupport a weight of the electric accessory.
 15. The portable canopy ofclaim 11, wherein the external power source is a rechargeable battery.16. The portable canopy of claim 11, wherein the external power sourceis a transformer connected to a power source, wherein said transformerreceive a voltage from the power source that is more than fifty voltsand reduces the received voltage to a predefined extra low-voltage valuecommensurate with the electrical power system.
 17. The portable canopyof claim 11, wherein the electrical power system further comprises: anelectrical track element that is attached to the electrical power systemand roof support members when the portable canopy is in the installedstate, wherein said electrical track element is suspended from the roof,allowing a centralized interior location for electric accessories to beinstalled.
 18. A portable canopy comprising: a portable frame comprisingvertical support members and roof support members; an electrical powersystem integrated into the portable frame, wherein at least one verticalsupport member has a connection point for receiving power from anexternal power source that supplies less than fifty volts; a portablecover made from a flexible, water-resistant fabric having strings of LEDlights affixed to its underside, wherein said portable cover has contactpoints for receiving electric power from the electrical power system tooperate the LED lights; an installed state having a width, a length, anda height, which together establish a first volume, wherein the firstvolume is a volume under a roof that shelters objects within the firstvolume, wherein the portable frame provides a support structure for thefirst volume, wherein, in the installed state, the portable framestructurally supports the portable cover, wherein, in the installedstate, the electrical power system is able to be connected to theexternal power source to provide electric power to a correspondingelectric accessory via direct contact with a designated area of anexterior surface of a power-conveying member of the portable frame; anda transport state having a second volume at least five times less thanthe first volume, wherein a longest linear dimension of the secondvolume is at most five feet.
 19. The portable canopy of claim 18,wherein the electric accessory is coupled to the power-supplying memberof the portable frame to provide direct contact with the designated areaand an installation of the electric accessory, wherein a coupler of theelectric accessory is designed to receive power from the electricalpower system, wherein the at least one electric accessory comprises oneof a light, a digital sign, a lighted sign, a fan, a misting fan, astrand of LED lights, and a wireless speaker.
 20. The portable canopy ofclaim 19, wherein the coupler is a clip of a size and a shape to attachto the power-supplying member of the portable frame with adequateconductive surface contact and to support a weight of the electricaccessory.